figure



Oct. 10, 1961 F. w. MCDONALD INDIVIDUAL VESSEL. REFRIGERATION METHOD AND MEANS Filed March 6, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 6, 1959 Oct. 10, 1961 F. w. MCDONALD 3,003,326

INDIVIDUAL VESSEL REFRIGERATION METHOD AND MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I I I III I I I I I3 13 I I I I I II /2 I 25 /I/I/I/I/I-/ E j i I 35 I I Y I I 35a 1 II I I I I I I 30 I II I I 32. I 3/ l i 23 ,2 11 d? A I LZ E 7:10?

fieaen'alc W McDonald a Sheets-Sheet :5

Frederick W McDonald Oct- 10, 19 F. w. MCDONALD INDIVIDUAL VESSEL REFRIGERATION METHOD AND MEANS Filed March 6, 1959 Z. q. 6

United States Patent F 3,003,326 INDIVIDUAL VESSEL REFRIGERATION METHOD AND MEANS Frederick W. McDonald, Elmhurst, 111., assignor, by mesne assignments, to A & W Root Beer Company, Santa Monica, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Mar. 6, 1959, Ser. No. 798,317 16 Claims. (CI. 62-62) The present invention relates to improvements in methods and means for individually refrigerating vessels, and while adapted for various types of vessels and containers, such as laborator beakers, test tubes, and the like, it is especially suitable for individually refrigerating beverage glasses.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application 693,567, filed October 31, 1957, which is abandoned herewith.

Pleasure incidental to drinking various beverages, of which beer, lemonade, root beer, cola drinks, wines, and cocktails are but a few examples, is enhanced for many persons by serving of the beverage in a chilled glass. Heretofore, however, it has been customary to attain this desirable end by placing the glasses inside of a refrigerated cabinet by the tray-load. Serving of parties or banquets may be thus accommodated, but it is not a satisfactory way to supply chilled glasses for individual customer or drinker demands sporadically or at intermittent intervals.

Therefore it is an important object of the present invention to provide novel apparatus by which drinking glasses or other types of vessels may be individually refrigerated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus from which a plurality of vessels are adapted to be individually refrigerated so that even though use of the vessels may be sporadic, a continuous supply of thoroughly chilled vessels is available without necessitating opening of any refrigerator cabinet or warming of the remaining or spare chilled vessels.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for individually chilling vessels from within in an efficient, thorough and economical manner.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a refrigerating apparatus which makes available immediately at hand a supply of chilled vessels which are maintained in the desired chilled state continuously until removed from the apparatus for use.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide apparatus which will serve the combined functions of a sanitary rack and a refrigeration device.

A still further object of the invention is to provide apparatus which will refrigerate glassm from within without the use of anexpendable medium such as carbon dioxide or ice, and without permitting the interior of the vessel or glass to frost.

A further important object of the invention is to provide a novel method for conditioning vessels wherein frost is deposited on the exterior surface thereof.

Many other advantages, features and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which several preferred structural embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative example.

On the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of apparatus for individual refrigeration of vessels according to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along p 3,003,326 Patented Oct. 10, 1961 line IIII of FIGURE 1, and showing a drinking vessel received thereon;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view, fragmentary in nature, taken along the line IIIIII of FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view, partly in elevation, generally similar to FIGURE 2, but of another embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view, partly in elevation, also generally similar to FIGURE 2, but of still another embodiment of the instant invention;

FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of additional apparatus for individual refrigeration of vessels according to the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view of a portion of the structure shown in FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line VIIIVIH of FIGURE 6.

As shown on the drawings:

The principles of this invention are particularly useful when embodied in a refrigeration assembly such as illustrated in FIGURE 1, generally indicated by the numeral 10. The assembly 10 includes a base generally indicated at 11 having a perimetral rim 12 and a plurality of upwardly directed arbors 13. Each of the arbors 13 has an upper portion 13a and a lower portion 1311. Each of the lower portions 13b is disposed in heat transfer relation interiorly of the base 11 with a refrigerant duct system 14, including a header 14a and a collector 14b, each of which in turn communicates with a source of refrigerant 15.

Referring now to FIGURES 1-3, it can be seen that the base 11 includes a heat insulative portion 16 in which is received a heat conductive portion 17 which carries the rim 12. Thus the upper surface of the heat conductive portion 17 is in effect a tray.

Within the base 11,.the various passages of the refrigerant duct system 14 are disposed. The system 14 includes at least one evaporator passage 1-8 and a return passage 19 which respectively communicate with the header 14a and the collector 14b. A plurality of passages 18 may be connected to a common header 14a as shown. Furthermore, any one'evaporator passage 18 may be disposed in the base 11 adjacent to one or more of the arbors 13. Thus in this embodiment, each of the evaporator passages 18 is disposed adjacent to four of the arbors 13.

Each of the passages 18 and 19 terminate at one face 20 on the end of the heat conductive portion 17 of the base 11. Adjacent thereto, there is provided an end cap 21 which has a face which abuts the face 20. Either or both of the end cap 21 and the heat conductive portion 17 may be provided with a recess 22 for communicating one or more evaporator lines 18 with a return line 19, as best seen in FIGURE 3.

The tray defined by the upper sunface of the heat conductive portion 17 and the rim 12 has the various arbors 13 extending upwardly therefrom for supporting and refrigerating a plurality of vessels, such as the vessel V shown in FIGURE 2. To that end, the evaporator line or passage 18 comprises a refrigerating element which is disposed adjacent to the lower portion 13b of the arbor 13.

Referring to FIGURE 2, the arbor 13 comprises highly heat conductive material, such as metal, which is an integral part of the heat conductive portion 17. While this portion and the arbors have been illustrated as comprising metal, it is to be understood that other eflicient heat conducting materials possessing the requisite structural prop erties may also be used in this invention.

The arbor 13 has an outer wall or external surface pansion orifice.

which has a configuration corresponding complentarily to the'inner wall or chamber of the vessel V. Preferably, there is a very slight air-gapbetween the outer wall of the arbor 13 and the inner wall of the vessel V, so that not only are variations in vessel diameter compensated for, but also a slight clearance is provided to preclude or minimize the formation of a bond therebetween. in the event that the vessel V be moist when it is slidably mated with the vessel receiving portion or arbor 13.. It is apparent that the greatest heat transfer efficiency can be achieved when the external wall of the arbor 13 and the inner wall of the vessel V are closely adjacent to each other. However, it is to be understood that advantageous structures maybe obtained even where this is not necessarily the case.

Preferably the axial length of the arbor 13 is such that the mouth or lips of the vessel V are spaced from the horizontal portionof the heat conductiveportion 17 of the base 11 Thus, assurance is provided that the lips of the vessel will not be contaminated by any material which may be disposed within the tray. 1

Referring again to FIGURE 1, the duct system 14 is connected to the refrigeration unit 15 by a supply line 22a and a return line 23. While a series-parallel line arrangement has been disclosed, it is to be understood that other arrangements of line may also be used to advantage. The evaporator line '18 is constricted as at 18a to form an ex- Thus this orifice may also be located elsewhere to advantage, such as in the header 1412, or within the heat conducting portion 17.

Accordingly, the evaporator 18 communicates through the return line 19 with the low pressure side of the refriga eration unit 15, and cornmunicatesvia the orifice 18a with the supply line 22a from the high pressure side of the refrigerant source '15. As such, the line 18 is termed to be an evaporator passage or line which is associated with and disposed adjacent to the lower portion 13b of the arbor 13.

Accordingly, it can be seen that means has been provided for permanently and fixedly disposing and confining immediately adjacent to the lower portion of the arbor and within the base, a heat transfer means for refrigerating the arbor, whereby the interior of the vessel V is refrigerated from within. It can. also-be seen that the duct system14 comprises a closed path sealed from the atmosphere.

The end cap 21 may be secured to the conducting portion 17 by any known means, either removably or permanently, such as by a screwor welding respectively.

When refrigerant is circulated through the line 22a, the arbor 13 is cooled at its lower portion 13b and heat is thereby transferred generally axially therein from the upper portion 13a. This decrease in temperature in turn produces a heat transfer from the relatively Warmer vessel V from a point immediately adjacent thereto, whereby the vessel V is chilled or refrigerated from within. Since the arbor is received relatively within the chamber of the vessel V, closing the same at its mouth, thereis no opportunity for any appreciable amount of moisture laden air to reach the interior of the vessel, and therefore even though the vessel V is refrigerated, there will be no opportunity for moist air to come in contact with such internal cold portion, whereby the interior deposition of a water condensate, such as frost, is precluded.

In normal operation, a vessel V will be placed on each arbor which is received therein. Then by circulation of refrigerant, only the lower portion 13b of the arbor is refrigerated by conduction. Heat in the arbor 13 is transferred generally axially thereof from the upper portion 13b to bring its temperat'ureibelow 32 F. As explained above, heat also transfers from the inner surface of the vessel V to the outer surface of the arbor 13, largely by radiation, and thence by generally axial conduction through the arbor.

. lower disposed portions of the vessel.

Once the arbor temperature has been lowered and stabilized, the device is ready for operation at peak efliciency. The vessel V is removed and another vessel is placed on the arbor to take its place. The temperature of the other, second or newly supported vessel is thereby rapidly decreased to a level below 32 F. Thus no signi'iicant time elapses while the vessel temperature is lowered from the dew point of the air to 32 F. During this rapid portion of the cooling step, theoretically water va JCT can. condense asa liquid and then freeze as ice. However, with this apparatus, and by my novel'conditioning method, the cooling is rapid so that no appreciable ice is deposited.

However, since the temperature of the vessel V is both below the dew point of air and below 32 F,, the vapor is deposited directly on the exterior of the vessel as frost. The exterior of each individual vessel is thus exposed to moist air while at a temperature below 32 F. A negligible amount of frost is deposited on the arbor 13 when vessels are exchanged, and if frost accumulatesthereon, it is easily wiped off with a dry cloth. 7

The mouth of the vessel V is substantially closed by the arbor 13. However, a small quantity of moist air might tend to enter the spaces between the vessel and the arbor. This tendency is of no concern whatever. The arbor is slightly colder than the vessel under even the most stable thermal conditions, and hence any moisture in such air would be deposited on the arbor and not the vessel, thereby leaving the interior of the vessel frost-free and dry.

If the vessel is slightly moist on its interior surface when at room temperature, and is then placed on a subfreezing arbor, the water evaporates from the relatively warmer vessel and collects on the arbor. If the water freezes prior to evaporation, it nevertheless is transferred to the arbor as a powdery frost by sublimation, leaving the interior of the vessel dry and ice-free.

Thus the instant method and means not only is characterized by a minimizing of contamination of the vessel interior by frost, ice, and water, but also actually removes moisture from the vessels surface to dry it.

When moist room air engages the upper part of the internally refrigerated vessel, the vessel lowers the air temperature to approximately that of the upper part Of the vessel, which is below the dew pointof the moist air, thereby effecting a depositing of frost on the vessel. The air, being cooled, is now heavier and flows by convection down the side of the vessel, becoming colder as it does so, and progressively depositing more moisture on This action produces a relatively uniform coating of frost on the vessel. The coating is particularly uniform when the arbor is cooled by axial conduction, so that the arbor and the vessel is progressively cooler in a downward direction.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, a slightly dilferent embodiment of the instant invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the structure is generally the same, and therefore similar numbers have been applied to similar parts, such numbers being primed where there is a slight diiference.

In this structure, the heat conducting portion 1 7' has been grooved or slotted to receive a separate arbor 13. The joint between these members may be made permanent, or the arbor may be made removable.' One advantage 'to removability of the arbor is that arbors having different external configurations for different glasses or other vessels may be readily substituted therefor. Thus the arbor 13 is disclosed as extending through the upper surface 25 of the heat conducting portion 17'.

r A further feature which may be provided for either the integral arbor 13 or the separate arbor 13' is the provision of making such arbor hollow as at 26. One

advantage of the hollow structure ;is-that less material has a substantial transverse section, being somewhat thicker than can be conveniently provided by a sheet. A substantial transverse section insures that there is adequate material to provide a generally-axially directed heat transfer path for removing the heat from the interior of the vessel V.

A further feature of this embodiment is that the wall of the arbor 13' increases in sectional thickness and area toward the evaporator passage 18. Thus a greater sectional area may be provided closer to the evaporator line or passage 18 so as to preclude the forming of a bottleneck which would interfere with the efficient trans ferof heat from the distal or upper end of the arbor 13'. This feature may also be employed to characterize the thermal gradient along the length of the arbor 13'.

The operation of the embodiment of FIGURE 4 is otherwise the same as that of FIGURE 2.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, a still further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In FIGURE 5, there is shown a structure which includes a base generally indicated at 30 having a rim 31 and comprising an upper heat-insulative sheet 32 and a lower heat insulative sheet 33. The sheet 32 is vertically spaced from the sheet 33 and the sheets 32, 33 are disposed in a generally horizontal direction. Intermediate the sheets 32, 33 an insulative fill 34 may be provided if desired. A plurality of arbors 35 are provided which have an upper portion 35a extending upwardly from the upper sheet 32 and which have a lower portion 35b which extends through the sheet 32 and is supported thereby.

The arbors 35 preferably comprise metal and have external walls with a configuration complementary to the inner wall of the vessel V to be chilled from within.

To this end, the supply line 22a communicates with an evaporator coil 36, while the return line 23 communicates with the opposite end of the evaporator coil 36.

The evaporator coil 36 is disposed in heat transfer relation to the lower portion 35b of the arbor 35 for transferring heat therefrom. Preferably, the evaporator 36 also comprises metal for maximum transfer efficiency.

The arbor 35 may be permanently or removably secured to the base 30. However, it is preferable that it be removable so that other arbors having a similar lower portion 35b may be inserted therein for thereby adapting the device for use with vessels having other interior sizes and configurations.

In this embodiment, the heat insulative portion 32 provides the tray from the upper surface of which the various arbors 35 project.

The embodiments of FIGURES 4 and 5 may be connected to the source of refrigerant as shown in FIG- URE 1 which includes a conventional compressor and condenser which operates on any one of the well-known refrigerant gases such as Freon. However, it is to be understood that the instant invention may also be op-. erated by a circulating liquid refrigerant, such as a brine solution or ethylene glycol. Of course, where a liquid refrigerant is circulated, the orifice between the supply line 22a and the principal portion of the evaporator 18 is omitted.

The operation of the structure of FIGURE 5 is other wise similar to that of the FIGURE 2 embodiment and no further explanation is necessary.

Referring now-to FIGURES 6 8, a further embodiment of the instant invention is illustrated. In FIGURE 6, there is shown a structure which includes a base generally indicated at 24, within which there is disposed a specially constructed refrigerated plate 27 provided with a plurality of individual arbors 28. The base 24 defines a plate-receiving tray which is open or exposed to the air at its upper opening, and within which the plate 27 is relatively loosely removably received. As best seen in FIGURE 8, the base 24 includes a peripheral side wall 29 which extends upwardly or in the direction of the axis of the arbors 28, for a distance which preferably slightly exceeds the length of the arbor, but which is substantially coextensive therewith. It can thus be seen that when air is refrigerated within the portion of the tray or base 24 occupied by the plate 27, such air is trapped therein, whereby the base 24 acts as a cold air trap, the height or depth of which trap is determined by the height of the peripheral side wall or walls 29.

The base 24 includes a horizontal insulative portion 37 shown in FIGURE 8 which underlies the refrigerated plate 27.

The peripheral side wall 29 is generally annular, and has a transverse cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to an inverted U-shape. One leg 38 of the U-shaped section is joined at the perimeter of the horizontal base portion 37, while the other leg 39 of the U-shape is longer than the one leg for defining a space beneath the horizontal portion 37. The legs 38 and 39 are slightly spaced from each other and are joined together at their upper ends. In practice, the horizontal portion 37 and the legs 38 and 39 may be molded as a unitary piece from heat insulative plastic molding material.

The space intermediate the legs 38 and 39, and the space beneath the horizontal portion 37 is preferably filled with an insulative substance 40, a plastic foam material being utilized in this instance.

In this embodiment, the plate 27 comprises cast aluminum having a smooth flat upper surface 41 against which the individual arbors 28 are disposed in heat-transfer relationship. Thus the plate 27 with its arbors functions as a vessel-receiving tray. During the fabrication of the plate 27, there is cast into it a serpentine or sinuous evaporator passage or refrigerant line 42 such as of steel. The refrigerant line 42 is so shaped and disposed as to pass adjacent to each one of the arbors at least twice. When refrigerant is caused to flow therethrough, heat is transferred from the metal surrounding the line 42 which, by conduction, cools the individual arbors 28. The aluminum of the plate '27 is inherently rigid, and the pipe 42 further rigidifiesit. This property insures that the surface 41 will remain planar.

The individual arbors 28 are each cup-shaped in this embodiment as shown in FIGURE 8. While the device is operative when the arbor 2S merely, of its own weight, rests on the upper surface 41 of the plate 27, it is preferred to employ means, such as screw means, for insuring a good heat-transfer relationship or contact between the arbor 28 and the plate 27. To this end, the arbor has been axially threaded as at 43 and the plate 27 has been provided with an aperture 44 axially aligned with the arbor threads 43 for receiving a screw 45 therein. In this embodiment, the aperture 44 is tapered and is provided with a downwardly directed shoulder 46 against which the head of the screw 45' is engageable. The shoulder 46 may be integral with the plate 27, or may be defined by a tapered sleeve '47 as shown. By effecting a tightening relationship between the arbor 28 and the screw 45, a more positive thermally efiicient contact is insured between the arbor 28 and the surface 41.

Preferably, the screw 45 also comprises aluminum, and

by the structure shown, it has an efficient thermal connection with both the plate 27 at the shoulder 46 and with the upper portion of the arbor 28.

The plate 27 is'loosely received intermediate the inner walls 38 of the base 24. By having a loose fit between these parts, the likelihood for forming ice therebetween is minimized, whereby the plate 27 may be removed even when cold for cleaning if desired. To further preclude the possibility of an ice-bond forming between the plate 27 and theinterior of the base 24, the upper surface of the horizontal portion 37 of the base 24 is provided with a group of three upwardly directed spacing pads 48, each illustrated pad having a substantially square perimeter, while the lower surface of the plate 27 is provided with a similar group of downwardly directed spacing pads 49.

7 The pads '48'and the pads 49' are respectively disposed in a triangular arrangement, for example as shown in FIG- URE 6, the pads 49 being superimposed above the pads 48. Thus, as best seen in' FIGURE 8; the pads 48, 49 insure the provision of a space 50 intermediate .the plate 27 and the horizontal portion 37 of the base 24.

Each of the arbors 28 is provided with a group of three ridges S1. 7 The ridges 51 are carried by the upper portion 52 of the arbor 28 which of course, is vertically spaced from the lower portion 53 of the arbor 28. Each ridge 51 extends in a generally axial direction for a sub stantial part of the upper portion 52 of the arbor 28. Each ridge also extends radially a small amount for engagement with the interior of thevessel. Typically, it is actually the peaks of the ridges 51 which jointly define a surface of revolution which corresponds to the interior configuration of the vessel G. Each ridge is actually quite narrow at its peak so that there is a mere line .of tangency or engagement, as opposed to an area or surface-type of engagement therebetwecn. Thus, the ridges 51 define regions on the upper portion 52 of the arbor 28 which are slightly spaced as shown at 54 from the interior of the vessel G. Heat and any moisture on the interior surface of the vessel G is transferred across this space to the upper portion 52 of the arbor as previously explained herein. V

' As best seen in FIGURE 6, the ends of the passage or line 42 terminate in coaxial relation with each other whereby the supply and the refrigerant lines extend generally horizontally from the plate 27. In order to allow the plate 27 to be disposed into and removed from the base 24 readily, one of the side walls 29 of the base 224 has been provided with a generally V-shaped notch 56 defined by confronting edges'57 and 58 of the side Wall 29. In this embodiment, the return line 23 has been provided with a resilient cover 59 such as of rubber, which fits into the apex of the V-shaped notch 56, and forms a relatively tight fit therewith. It is apparent that without further protection, comparatively heavy cold air could spill out from the cold air trap in which the arbors are situated by flowing through the notch 56 above the cover 59 of the lines. Accordingly, to prevent such loss of cold air, a dam member 60 has been provided. The dam member 60, like the sidewall, has a generally inverted U-shaped transverse section, one leg of the U being disposed adjacent to the outside of the wall 39 and the other leg of the U being disposed adjacent the inside of the base at the Wall 38. Each leg of the member 60 has such length or breadth and height as to overlap the edges 57 and 58 of the notch 56 to thereby close it. To insure that the member 60 does not move to the left or right as shown in FIGURE 7, there has been provided a horizontally disposed portion 63, integrally secured to one of the legs of the member 60, the ends of which portion 63. are engageable with the confronting edges '57 and 58 to preclude lateral movement of the dam member 60. It is apparent that the member 60 may be grasped by hand and raised out of position and out of engagement for the insertion or removal of the refrigerant lines.

In FIGURE 8, the vessel G being conditioned comprises a stemmed vessel. It is noted that the stem thereof extends upwardly out of the cold air trap defined by the base 24 and therefore the stem thereof remains substantially at room temperature, particularly when the vessel comprises glass.

During ordinary operation of the device, a thin relatively hard coating of frost is deposited on the exterior of the vessel 6, at F. In the event that the vessel G be left on the arbor 28 for a protracted period of time, such as for a matter of days of continual operation, of course a further build-up of frost would take place. However, even with weeks of continual operation, only the faintest film of frost would form on the surface 41, which film is of no significant thickness. HOWeVer, when there is a heavy buildup. of frost on the vessel .G, such build-up tends to be powdery and portions thereof fall off, landing as a loose power on the surface 41. This has been illustrated in the drawing in FIGURE 8 to show'that even when this takes place, the lip of the vessel G is spaced therefrom and remains uncontaminated thereby. It is to be understood that the amount of frost illustrated in FIGURE 8 is far in excess of that which would ordinarily be deposited'on the vessel G.

Although various minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such embodiments as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

I clairnas my invention:

' 1. A method of conditioning individual open mouth vessels comprising the steps of: disposing a vessel in an inverted position onto an upwardly directed heat-conductive arbor partially receivable therein; refrigerating only a part of the arbor, which is axially remote and below the vessel to obtain generally axially directed heat flow in the arbor and to obtain a slight thermal gradient along the arbor within the vessel, to thereby efiect heat transfer from the interior surface of the vessel to the exterior surface of the arbor, until the temperature of the exterior surface of the vessel is below 32 'F.; and

thereafter exposing the vessel, while on the arbor, to air having a dew point above the temperature of the exterinal surface of the vessel to effect progressive cooling and downward flow of air along the vessel-and hence also the deposit of a substantially uniform'coating of frost on the vessel.

2. In apparatus for individually frosting open mouth vessels: a heat conductive arbor, said arbor having an upper portion providing a vessel supporting and cooling structure receivable within the vessel, and a lower portion for being disposed axially externally of the vessel; a rigid refrigerated plate supporting said arbor at said lower portion in conductive heat transfer relationship therewith; a heat insulative base loosely supporting said refrigerated plate, said base including a horizontal portion underlying siad plate, and a generally annular wall joined to the periphery of said horizontal base within and slightly spacedly surrounding the edges of said plate; and a group of triangularly arranged spacing pads, each pad being integral with one of the upper surface of said horizontal base portion and the lower surface of said plate, said pads defining a horizontal air gap intermediate said plate and said base.

3. In apparatus for individually frosting open mouth vessels: a heat conductive arbor, said arbor having an upper portion providing a vessel supporting and cooling structure receivable within the vessel, and a lower portion for being disposed axially externally of the vessel; a rigid refrigerated plate supporting said arbor at said lower portion in conductive heat transfer relationship therewith; a heat insulative base loosely supporting said refrigerated plate, said base including a horizontal portion underlying said plate, and a generally annular wall joined to the'periphery of said horizontal base within and slightly spacedly surrounding the edges of said plate; and two groups of triangularly arranged spacing pads, each group being integral with one of the upper surface of said horizontal base portion and the lower surface of said plate respectively, said groups being aligned and engageable with each other for defining a horizontal air gap intermediate said plate and said base.

4. In apparatus for individually frosting open mouth vessels: a heat conductive arbor having an upper portion with an outer surface configuration generally corresponding to the interior of the vessel'and providing a from to lower the temperature thereof below 32 F., said means including refrigerant lines extending generally horizontally therefrom; a base removably supporting said arbor and said means, said base having a generally annular side wall surrounding said arbor and extending in the direction of the axis of said arbor substantially coextensively with said arbor to define an exposed cold air trap around said arbor for assisting said means in effecting frosting of the exterior of a vessel disposed Within said trap, said base side Wall having a generally V- shaped notch therein for receiving at least one of said refi-igerant lines therethrough; said one line and said notch being adapted to form a snug fit therebetween at the apex of the V-shape; and a darn member removably supported by said side wall, said member being operative to block flow of air through said notch above said refrigerant line therein.

5. In apparatus for individually frosting open mouth vessels: a heat conductive arbor having an upper portion with an outer surface configuration generally corresponding to the interior of the vessel and providing a vesselcooling structure receivable within the vessel; and means fixedly disposed in heat transfer relationship with said arbor and operative to effect heat transfer therefrom to lower the temperature thereof below 32 F., said means including refrigerant lines extending generally horizontally therefrom; a base removably supporting said arbor and said means, said base having a generally annular side wall surrounding said arbor and extending in the direction of the axis of said arbor substantially coextensively with said arbor to define an exposed cold air trap around said arbor for assisting said means in effecting frosting of the exterior of a vessel disposed within said trap, said base side Wall having a generally V-shaped notch therein for receiving at least one of said refrigerant lines therethrough; said one line and said notch being adapted to form a snug fit therebetween at the apex of the V-shape; and a dam member slidably embracing both the inner and the outer surfaces of said side wall and also adapted to engage the confronting edges of said V-shaped notch, said member being operative to block flow of air through said notch above said refrigerant line therein.

6. Apparatus for forming frost only on the exterior of individual open mouth vessels, including in combination: a base comprising heat conductive material; a heat conductive arbor having a heat conductive connection with said base and extending upwardly therefrom, said arbor being so disposed as to extend into free moistbearing air while in use, said arbor being adapted to extend through the mouth of one of the vessels while said one vessel is externally exposed to the free air, and said arbor having an external configuration generally complemental to the interior of said one vessel; means within said base defining an elongated refrigerant passage disposed to conduct heat away from said arbor, said means being adapted to be connected to a source of refrigerant having a temperature below 32 F.; and three angularly spaced raised vessel-supporting and spacing ridges on said arbor, each of said ridges extending therealong in a generally vertical and radially outward direction to engage and support said one vessel along relatively sharp lines jointly engageable with the interior of the vessel, and to space it slightly from said arbor; whereby said arbor is adapted to be refrigerated from within and therefore is adapted to refrigerate said one externally exposed Vessel from within, to a temperature below 32 F., said arbor thereby being operative to effect frost formation on only the exterior of said one vessel.

7. Apparatus for frosting only the liquid-receiving part of the exterior of individual open mouth stemmed vessels, including in combination: a heat conductive arbor having an upper portion providing a vessel supporting and cooling structure receivable within the vessel; means fixedly disposed in heat transfer relationship with said arbor and operative to effect heat transfer therefrom to lower the temperature thereof below 32 F.; and a base supporting said arbor and said means, said base having side Walls extending in the direction of the axis of said arbor and defining an open tray, the interior of which is continually exposed to the atmosphere, said side walls extending axially only slightly beyond said arbor to define a cold air trap around said arbor for refrigerating only the liquid-receiving part of the vessel for effecting frosting of only the exterior of said part of the vessel while leaving the vessel stem unfrosted.

8. In apparatus for individually frosting open mouth vessels: a heat conductive arbor of generally inverted cup-shape having a substantial transverse sectional area, said arbor having an upper portion providing a vessel supporting and cooling structure receivable within the vessel for effecting frost formationonly on the exterior thereof, and a lower portion for being disposed axially externally of the vessel; a rigid heat-conductive plate supporting said arbor at said lower portion and provided with screw means extending through the hollow of the cup-shape and received within said arbor in detachable threaded engagement therewith and efiecting an efiicient heat transfer relationship between said lower arbor portion and said plate for transferring heat from said arbor only in a generally axial direction, and means for refrigerating said plate to a temperature at which any vessel disposed on said arbor will attain a temperature below 32 F.

9. Apparatus for frosting an open mouth vessel, including in combination: an upwardly directed arbor of highly heat conductive material, said arbor having a substantial transverse sectional area which renders the arbor efficiently heat conductive in a generally axial direction, said arbor having a lower portion integral with an upper portion thereof, said lower portionbeing disposed to be axially remote from the vessel; and refrigeration means disposed in heat transfer relationship with said arbor only at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat gener-ally axially thereof from said upper portion, said means being operative to lower the temperature of said arbor and of any vessel thereon to below 32 F., whereby said lower portion is colder than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of the upper portion of said arbor being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to be frosted; whereby said apparatus will deposit frost onlyvon the exterior of the vessel, the frost thickness being substantially uniform along the length thereof.

10. Apparatus for frosting an open mouth vessel, including in combination: a highly heat conductive base; an upwardly directed arbor of highly heat conductive material supported by said base, said arbor having a substantial transverse sectional area defining a generally axially directed eflicient path for heat flow, said arbor having an upper portion for extending through the mouth of the vessel and a lower portion for being axially spaced from the vessel; refrigeration means in said base in heat transfer relationship therewith, said base being disposed in heat transfer relationship with said arbor only at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat generally axially thereof from said upper portion, said means being operative to lower the temperature of said arbor and of any vessel thereon to below 32 F., whereby said lower portion is colder than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of the upper portion of said arbor being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to be frosted; and means rigidly and fixedly securing said arbor to said base, and operative to render efficient the heat transfer therebetween; whereby said apparatus will deposit frost only on the exterior of the vessel, the frost thickness being substantially uniform along the length thereof.

11. Apparatus for individually frosting a plurality of open mouth vessels, including in combination: a highly heat conductive base; a plurality of upwardly directed arbors of highly heat conductive material supported by 1 1 said base, each having 'a substantial transverse sectional area which renders the arbor efficiently heat conductive in a generally axial direction, each of said arbors having a lower portion integral with an upper portion thereof, said lower portion being disposed to be axially remote from the vessel; refrigeration means in said base in heat transfer relationship therewith; said refrigeration means including at least one refrigerant evaporator passage extending through one end face thereof, at least one return passage disposed in said base and extending through said one end face thereof, an end cap having a face secured against said end face, and a recess in at least one of said faces for communicating said passages; said base being disposed in heat transfer relationship with each of said arbors only at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat generally axially thereof from said upper portion, said refrigeration means being operative to lower the temperature of said arbors and of any vessel thereon to below 32 F., whereby said lower portion of each arbor is colder than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of each of said arbors being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to be frosted; whereby said apparatus will deposit frost only on the exterior of the vessel, the frost thickness being substantially uniform along the length thereof. a

'12. Apparatus for frosting an open mouth vessel, including .in combination: a highly heat conductive base; an upwardly directed arbor of highly heat conductive material supported by said base, said arbor having a substantial transverse sectional area defining a generally axially directed efficient path for heat flow, said arbor having an upper portion for extending through the mouth of the vessel and a lower portion for being axially spaced from the vessel; said arbor having a radial wall thickness which increases toward the mouth of the vessel to render the arbor progressively more heat-conductive along the length of the vessel; refrigeration means in said base in heat transfer relationship therewith, said base being dis posed in heat transfer relationship with said arbor onlyv at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat generally axially thereof from said upper portion, said means being operative to lower the temperature of said arbor and of any vessel thereon to below 327R, whereby said lower portion is colder than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of the upper portion of said arbor being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to be frosted; and means rigidly and fixedly securing said arbor to said base, and operative to render eflicient the heat transfer therebetween; whereby said apparatus will deposit @frost only on the exterior of the vessel, the frost thickness being substantially uniform along. the length thereof.

13. Apparatus for individually frosting a plurality of open mouth vessels, including in combination: a base having a plurality of apertures; a plurality of individually removable arbors supported by said base, and extending through said apertures; each of said arbors having a substantial transverse-sectional area which renders the arbor elficiently heat conductive in a generally axial direction, each of said arbors having an upper portion projecting upwardly from said apertures, and a lower portion integral with said upper portion and disposed within said base axially remote from the vessel; refrigeration means in said base in heat transfer relationship with each of said arbors only at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat generally axially thereof from said upper portion, said refrigeration means being operative to lower the temperature of said arbors and of any vessel thereon tobelow 32 R, whereby said lower portion of each arbor is colder than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of each of said arbors being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to be frosted; whereby said apparatus will deposit frost only on the exterior of the ves- 12 1 sel, the frost thickness being substantially uniform along the length thereof. 1

14. Apparatus for individually frosting a plurality of open mouth vessels, including in combination: a'highly heat conductive base having an upper surface; a plurality of upwardly directed arbors supported in an'individually removable manner on said uppersurface, each having a substantial transverse sectional area which renders the arbor eficiently heat conductive in a generally axial direction, each of said arbors having a lower portion integr al with an upper portion thereof, said lower portion being disposed to be axially remote from the vessel; refrigeration means in said base in heat transfer relationship therewith; said basebeing disposed in heat transfer relationship with each of said arbors only at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat generally axially thereof from said upper portion, said refrigerationmeans being operative to lower the temperature of said arbors and of any vessel thereon to below 32 F., whereby said lower portion of each arbor is colder'than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of each of said arbors being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to 'be frosted; whereby said apparatus will deposit frost only on the exterior of the vessel, the frost thickness being substantially uniform along the length thereof.

15. Apparatus for individually frosting a plurality of open mouth vessels, including in combination: a base having an upper plane surface of heat insulative material in which there is provided a plurality of apertures; a plurality of individually removable arbors supported by said base, and extending through said apertures; each of said arbors having a substantial transverse sectional area which renders the arbor efliciently heat conductive in a generally axial direction, each of said arbors having an upper portion projecting upwardly from said apertures,

and a lower portion integral with said upper portion and disposed within said base axially remote from the vessel; refrigeration means in said base in heat transfer relationship with each of said arbors only at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat generally axially thereof from said'upper portion, said refrigerationmeans being operative to lower the temperature of said arbors and of any vessel thereon to below 32 F., whereby saidlower portion of each arbor is colder than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of each of said arbors being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to be'frosted; where'- by said apparatus will deposit frost only on the exterior of the vessel, the frost thickness being substantially uniform along the length thereof.

16. Apparatus for individually frosting a plurality of open mouth vessels, including in combination: a base having a pair of vertically spaced horizontally directed sheets of heat insulative material, the upper of which sheets has an upper plane heat insulative surface provided with a plurality of apertures; a plurality of individually removable arbors supported by said base, and extending through said apertures; each of said arbors having, a substantial transverse sectional area whichv renders the arbor efiiciently heat conductive in a generally axial direction, each of said arbors having an upper portion projecting upwardly from said apertures, and a lower portion integral with said upper portion and disposed within said base axially remote from the vessel; refrigeration means in said base in heat transfer relationship with each of said arbors only at said lower portion thereof for transferring heat generally axially thereof from said upper portion, said refrigeration means being operative to lower the temperature of said arbors and of any vessel thereon to below 32 F., whereby said lower portion of each arbor is colder than the remainder of the arbor; the outer surface of each ofsaid arbors being receptive slidably thereon of a vessel to be frosted; whereby said apparatus will deposit frost only on the ex- 13 trier of the vessel, the frost thickness being substantially 2,084,883 uniform along the length thereof. 2,696,717

2,759,339 References Cuted m the file of th1s patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 415,980 Sachs Nov. 26, 1889 700,040

469,874 Snow Nov. 1, 1892 14 Atchison June 22, 193-7 Lindenberg et al. Dec. 14, 1954 Kundert Aug. 21, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS Germany Dec. 11, 1940 

